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Get your garden and home winter-ready with a dash of humor and a sprinkle of science, from seed-stashing debates to thwarting voles, sawflies and sneaky houseplant hitchhikers. It’s all about outsmarting pests, preserving produce and preventing soggy soil surprises before spring sneaks back.

Winterize. Sow. Mulch. Protect. Cut. Force. Our beloved Ron Kujawski is a busy man, and he makes the case that you, too, have plenty to do this week.

Winter’s creeping closer, so before the snow snaps your branches and your houseplants stage a dramatic leaf-drop protest, take a moment to prep both your trees and your tools. From safe pruning and cozy houseplants to shiny shovels and roasted pumpkin seeds, this week’s column is your autumn survival guide for gardeners who like their fingers (and foliage) intact.

Fall is the perfect time to toss crocus bulbs like confetti, sneak in a spinach crop, dig up spicy horseradish, and flex your muscles on that patio project—just don’t forget to stretch first! While you're at it, sort your squash, swat the sluggish cluster flies off your sunny windows, and seal up the house before winter guests (insect or Aunt Tilly) try to move in.

I am tremendously grateful to our community for ensuring that Berkshire Botanical Garden's biggest and longest-running community event can take place on our beautiful grounds every October. This year, we were happy to have cooperating fall weather that really brought out the Festival crowds. 

Time to play plant detective and garden chef: Spot the freeze damage, stash pine needles like treasure and bury your garden's secrets in the soil. Then, spice up your fall by planting garlic that'll knock your friends’ socks (and taste buds) off. Just don’t forget the breath mints!

As the Herb Associates tuck the garden in for its winter nap, they leave behind a legacy of fragrant leaves, flavorful creations and a whole lot of heart. From ancient lore to modern jellies, it’s been a season of growing, giving, and a little herbal magic.

Rake less, mulch more. Your lawn and veggie garden will thank you with richer soil and fewer chores next spring. While you're at it, swap some garlic, save some tomato seeds (yes, even the stinky part), and snoop around for plants flaunting fall flair that lasts through winter!

From the ancient legends of Southernwood to the sweet scent of Woodruff, the Herb Associates are closing out the season with a fragrant flourish. Plus, the BBG kitchen is simmering with salts, shrubs, and jams you’ll want to sample at the Harvest Festival. And don’t miss your chance to taste history (and maybe take some home)!

Let's talk about savory, “the most strongly flavored of the hardy aromatic herbs.”  Plus, a few notes on the quintessential Thanksgiving herb, sage.

It's time to dig up your root vegetables — Ron has a checklist for you to follow! Plus, garden cleanup, summer bulb management, gourds and more.

The autumn equinox has come and gone, but there’s still time to revel in garden magic, from the dreamy blooms of Nigella to the sweet scent of rose geraniums brushing your fingertips. Step into fall with a stroll through BBG’s herb gardens, savor seasonal treats from the Harvest Kitchen and let your senses feast on everything from cinnamon-laced marmalade to the earthy charm of scented leaves.

The clock is ticking for lawn seeding, bulb planting and salvaging your sad, late-season garden. Act now or wait 'til spring and pretend you meant to! From Brussels sprouts to Christmas cactus and botulism-free tomatoes, fall gardening has never been so dramatic (or oddly satisfying).

Ready for a zesty twist? This week, we’re diving into the bright, citrusy world of lemony herbs — from lemon thyme to lemon verbena — and all the delicious ways they’re stirring up teas, dressings, shrubs, and more.

Not sure what to plant or do in the garden this fall? From daffodils that dodge deer to sunflowers worth fighting birds for — plus tips for veggies, gourds, compost, and even that amaryllis you've been babying — Ron Kujawski has got your autumn gardening game covered. (For the most part.)

What began as casual field notes and collected imagery evolved into a vibrant, richly layered visual archive. The exhibition runs from Oct. 18 through Nov. 30. Admission is free.